- Force India
Hulkenberg: P3 realistic for Force India
Nico Hulkenberg believes Force India is more than capable of maintaining its position of third in the constructors' championship for the rest of the season.
Hulkenberg has been one of the stand out performers in 2014 so far and is currently fourth in the drivers' standings. He and Sergio Perez have helped elevate Force India up the pecking order, and the team is currently enjoying its best start to an F1 season.
Though the Spanish GP represents the start of a ferocious development battle Hulkenberg is confident Force India can rise to the challenge and keep itself at the top end of the pack.
"We're up in third in the championship and we want to stay there. The hard work over the winter is paying off, but we know that Formula One is always a development race and things can change from one weekend to the next. So we need to keep working hard to maintain our good position."
"I've enjoyed the first part of the year. It's probably gone better than we were expecting after winter testing and it's good to keep picking up the points. I'm fourth with 36 points and I think that's a big achievement. The car has worked well everywhere and we've made the most of the opportunities. Consistency is surely one of our strengths at the moment."
Hulkenberg is convinced Barcelona is a track where Force India can continue its early form.
"Even though we know the place inside out, it remains a tough, tricky circuit and one of those places where it's especially important to optimise the car balance. If you don't feel totally comfortable with the car it really hurts your lap time.
"Barcelona is the true test for downforce because of the quick corners in the first and second sectors. Traction is also important in the final part of the lap with the low-speed corners and we should be strong there."
© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
